You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.

- Psalm 10:17–18

Earthquake and Tsunami in the Southern Philippines   

A powerful offshore earthquake struck the southern Philippines on June 8, 2026, killing at least 35 people and injuring more than 200 others. The quake triggered a landslide in Sarangani province that claimed 13 lives, while collapsing low-rise buildings, schools, and a mosque caused widespread casualties across the region. 

The event also generated a one-meter tsunami that damaged coastal villages before warnings were lifted. Coming on the first day of the new school year, the disaster caused widespread panic and has prompted a massive search-and-rescue operation for missing residents believed to be trapped in the rubble.

God of Mercy and Comfort, we pray for the families who are grieving the abrupt loss of their loved ones, and we pray for the swift recovery of the hundreds who have been injured. We ask for your peace to cover the young students and teachers whose excitement for a new school year was so quickly turned into trauma. 

Canada Plans National Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

The Canadian federal government plans to introduce a national ban on social media use for children under 16 as part of its upcoming online harms bill. Following a similar model implemented in Australia, the proposal aims to protect youth from online addiction, mental health issues, and predatory behaviors. 

While advocates view the age restriction as a necessary step to curb the unchecked influence of Big Tech, critics warn it could drive underage usage underground, increase invasive data collection through age-verification surveillance, and fail to hold social media platforms directly accountable for harmful designs.

Lord, we pray for the families, educators, and lawmakers navigating the complex realities of our digital world. We pray for our children and teenagers, asking that they be shielded from the anxiety, isolation, and exploitation so often found online. Grant insight to leaders as they craft these regulations, ensuring that policies effectively hold massive technology corporations accountable while preserving the privacy, safety, and healthy development of young people.

The 2026 World Cup Begins Amid Global Tension

The historic 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off this Thursday, June 11, co-hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This tournament marks the largest gathering in soccer history, bringing together millions of fans from every corner of the globe. Yet, the opening whistle blows at a time when the world feels deeply fractured, carrying the heavy weight of international conflicts, humanitarian crises, and political division. 

As fields in Toronto, Mexico City, and Los Angeles prepare to welcome the world, this massive sporting event stands as a stark contrast to global unrest—and a rare, hopeful reminder of what it looks like when nations choose to meet in peaceful competition rather than conflict.

Lord, as the eyes of the world turn toward this tournament, we confess the tension we feel celebrating while so much of our world is hurting. We pray that this gathering will be a living testament to our shared humanity. Where global politics divide us, may the bridges built on the pitch inspire our hearts toward a greater desire for real justice, unity, and lasting peace across our borders. 

Becoming (part of) the Answer to our Own Prayers

Beyond the Headlines: Faith, Community and the Stories that Shape Us

Join a new justice education series from Thrive, World Renew, and the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue. This four-part series explores immigration, food justice, climate justice, and gender justice through a biblical lens—equipping participants to recognize harmful narratives, understand root causes, and take meaningful, faith-informed action. Learn more and register today!